Caravan travel guides

New Volkswagen Golf: first impressions

David MottonTow Car Editor

IT WASN'T BROKEN. There was no need to fix it. But the new Golf is here, and it's even better than the old one.

IT WASN'T BROKEN. There was no need to fix it. But the new Golf is here, and it's even better than the old one.

You'll have to forgive me for being brief, but this evening's press conference starts in 30 minutes. Pushed for a one word description, I'd choose 'refined'. The Golf Mk7 is refined in the sense of being recognisably a Golf to look at, travel in and drive, but a handful of percentage points better in just about every area. And refined in the sense of being exceptionally quiet in terms of wind, road, engine and suspension noise.

I've driven the 148bhp 2.0 TDI diesel and the 138bhp 1.4 TSI petrol. Both are willing, strong and unobtrusive.

The diesel is the more likely to find favour with towcar drivers. Some quick stats for you: 68.9mpg, 106g/km, 1354kg kerbweight, 1600kg maximum braked trailer.